Abigail Adams

NAME Abigail Smith Adams

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Second First Lady of the United States, political commentator, advocate for women's rights and abolition, and an influential figure during the American Revolutionary period.

BIRTH Born on November 22, 1744, in Weymouth, Massachusetts.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Abigail was born into a prominent and well-educated family. Her father, William Smith, was a Congregational minister, and her mother, Elizabeth Quincy, came from a politically connected family in New England.

CHILDHOOD Despite growing up in a relatively privileged household, Abigail suffered from fragile health as a child. Her inquisitive nature and access to her family’s library led her to self-educate in history, literature, and political philosophy.

EDUCATION Abigail had no formal schooling but became highly educated through voracious reading and conversations with family members, particularly her maternal grandfather. Her writing skills and intellectual curiosity set her apart.

CAREER RECORD Abigail managed the Adams family farm during John Adams' long absences, proving herself resourceful and capable. She melted pewter for musket balls during the Revolutionary War and corresponded extensively with political leaders, providing commentary that would later shape her legacy as a political thinker.

APPEARANCE Abigail was described as petite, with sharp, intelligent eyes. Her warm demeanor was complemented by an air of quiet strength..

Abigail Adams

FASHION Practical and modest, Abigail preferred simple, sturdy clothing suited for the responsibilities of managing a household and farm, but she maintained a sense of refinement in her attire.

CHARACTER Abigail was strong-willed, highly principled, and deeply compassionate. Her forthrightness and ability to hold her own in political and philosophical discussions were admired by her contemporaries.

SPEAKING VOICE Her voice was described as firm but warm, reflecting her intelligence and nurturing nature.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Abigail had a dry, witty sense of humor, often showcased in her letters to John Adams and their children.

RELATIONSHIPS Her spirited intellect caught the eye of John Adams, a rising lawyer and they married on October 25, 1764. The wedding took place at the Smith family home in Weymouth, Massachusetts, and was presided over by Abigail's father, William Smith. After the ceremony, the newlywed couple mounted a single horse and rode to their new home, a saltbox house and farm that John had inherited from his father in Braintree, Massachusetts (now part of Quincy)

Though their families clashed, their love persevered, leading to a remarkable partnership defined by shared ideals and frequent separations due to John's political pursuits.

Abigail and John Adams shared a deep bond of love, respect, and intellectual partnership. They wrote over 1,100 letters to each other during their marriage. 

Her influence extended to her six children, especially her son John Quincy Adams, whom she guided in his political aspirations.

MONEY AND FAME While the Adams family was not wealthy, Abigail's resourcefulness and John's rising political career brought them relative financial security. Her fame grew posthumously due to her letters.

FOOD AND DRINK Abigail enjoyed preparing hearty, practical meals for her family, reflecting her New England roots. She was known to preserve food from the family farm to ensure self-sufficiency.

MUSIC AND ARTS She appreciated music and fine arts, though her access was limited by the demands of her daily life and the era in which she lived.

LITERATURE Abigail was an avid reader of classic and contemporary works, including those by Shakespeare and 18th-century political writers.

Her letters reveal a clear and articulate communication style. She was described as having a "vigorous and forthright tone" in her correspondence and Adams was not afraid to express her opinions boldly.  She was capable of discussing complex political and philosophical ideas,. 

In her letters to her son, Abigail employed a "motherly voice," which implies a warm and nurturing tone when speaking to her children and loved ones

NATURE Abigail found solace in gardening and often referenced the beauty of the Massachusetts countryside in her letters.

PETS The Adams family kept dogs and livestock, which Abigail tended to on the farm.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Her hobbies included gardening, knitting, and letter-writing, which she used to express her thoughts and maintain connections.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Though not formally educated in these areas, Abigail valued intellectual pursuits and was supportive of advancements in knowledge.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Adams's philosophical worldview was shaped by a providentialist perspective, viewing events in her family and the world as part of God's divine plan. She strongly advocated for moral education, believing it was crucial for both individual character development and the moral health of the nation. Influenced by her father's liberal Congregationalist teachings, she emphasized the importance of reason and morality over doctrines like predestination or original sin.

During her time in Europe, Adams broadened her intellectual horizons by exploring various forms of Christianity, including attending Universalist sermons in London. Her experiences abroad deepened her appreciation for the diversity of religious thought and reinforced her belief in the importance of individual conscience and personal interpretation of faith.

Towards the end of her life, Adams embraced Unitarianism. In a letter to her son, she explicitly stated her belief in "the Father alone, is the supreme God, and that Jesus Christ derived his Being, and all his powers and honors from the Father." This declaration signified a rejection of the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, as she famously asserted, "There is not any reasoning which can convince me, contrary to my senses, that three is one, and one three." Adams emphasized that true religion was a deeply personal matter, arising "from the Heart, between Man and his creator," rather than imposed by external creeds or doctrines.

POLITICS Adams' theological and philosophical views deeply informed her social and political stances. She was a vocal advocate for women's rights, particularly in education and legal spheres. She also held strong anti-slavery beliefs and actively promoted the emancipation of enslaved people. Adams viewed Christian patriotism as essential for national independence, asserting that "A patriot without religion in my estimation is as great a paradox, as an honest Man without the fear of God."

She became a political observer long before women had the right to vote. A vocal advocate for women's rights and abolition, Abigail famously urged her husband to "remember the ladies" when drafting new laws for the fledgling United States.

Depiction of Abigail Adams thoughtfully writing her famous plea to "remember the ladies."

After John's presidency, Abigail continued to influence her son John Quincy Adams' political career. Her legacy extends far beyond her husband's achievements, solidifying her place as an intelligent, independent woman who dared to challenge societal norms.

SCANDAL Abigail faced criticism for her strong opinions, particularly regarding women’s rights and her support of her husband’s controversial Alien and Sedition Acts.

MILITARY RECORD She fiercely supported the American Revolution and managed her family farm during difficult times. Adams contributed to the war effort by supporting Revolutionary troops with supplies.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Abigail suffered from various illnesses throughout her life but remained active, particularly during her years managing the farm.

HOMES She lived in various homes, including the Adams family farm in Braintree, Massachusetts, and the White House, where she navigated living in its unfinished state.

TRAVEL Abigail accompanied John to Europe during his diplomatic missions, spending time in Paris and London, which broadened her worldview.

DEATH Abigail Adams died on October 28, 1818, at the age of 73, from typhoid fever in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Abigail Adams is buried in the family crypt located in the United First Parish Church in Quincy, Massachusetts. This church is also known as the "Church of the Presidents"

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Abigail has been portrayed in numerous books, films, and television series, often highlighting her role as an advisor and equal partner to John Adams.

ACHIEVEMENTS Abigail Adams’ legacy lies in her progressive views on women's rights, her vast correspondence offering a window into early American history, and her enduring influence as a political thinker and mother of a U.S. president.

Source FF2Media